Covid Biggest Challenge For Winter Games: Organisers

Beijing Winter Olympics organisers said on Wednesday that protecting the Games from Covid-19 will be their biggest challenge.

At a press conference 100 days before the Games begin, executive vice-president of the committee Zhang Jiandong said the venues are now ready and all meet the relevant requirements.

He said the health of the athletes is the committee's top priority and measures it has formulated after consultations with experts can reduce coronavirus risks.

"Covid control is our major challenge for our hosting of the Games. A successful Winter Games must be a Covid-secure one. There's no doubt about that. That's why we have to prioritise the Covid response," Zhang told reporters.

Vaccinated participants will be able to enter China for the Games in February without undergoing the usual 21 days of quarantine, but they will be forbidden from interacting with the public.

Zhang admitted there will be restrictions on the athletes' freedom, but warned all participants to strictly adhere to the rules or they could be punished.

"Breaches of the codes will be subject to some punishing measures, for instance, a warning or cancellation of qualifications to take part in the Games."